Effect of social class and nutrient intake on height and plasma insulin-like growth factor in Andean Equadorian children

One hundred forty-four boys from Urban schools in Equador were measured for plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) to assess the validity of the hormone as an index in nutritional status and growth. Two groups of boys coming from the lower socio-economic class and found to have reduced caloric and protein intake were given caloric and nitrogen supplementation. Clinical and anthropometric measurement results show that height is strongly influenced by nutritional intake and that decreased IGF1 values can be a reliable index for food deprivation.